Sejong Academy Shifts to Online Learning Amid St. Paul ICE Raids

Sejong Academy moves to online learning

Decision and public notice. Sejong Academy announced on its website that it would switch to online learning for Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, 2026, saying the decision was made out of concern for the “safety and well‑being” of students, staff and families. The school later clarified that Friday had been scheduled as a staff professional development day and would remain off.

What the notice did — and did not — say. The public notice did not explicitly cite immigration enforcement or ICE as the reason for the change, leaving the cause described in general terms rather than naming a specific agency or operation (reporting: Fox News, WCCS Radio).

Urban Village advisory and reported ICE activity

At roughly the same time, Urban Village, a Minnesota community organization, posted a video and social media statements urging noncitizens and people without green cards to remain at home, avoid driving and limit contact amid reported enforcement activity in St. Paul.

Purpose of the advisory: community leaders said the guidance was meant to protect families amid reports of enforcement activity but acknowledged it created fear and disruption.

Reporting indicates an ICE presence in the area during the advisory period, though local authorities and ICE did not provide a detailed public timeline linking any school-specific operations to enforcement activity. That gap left community members reacting based on the advisory and reports rather than on an official coordinated statement (Fox News; WCCS Radio).

Funding and public status of the Minnesota charter school

Sejong Academy is a tuition‑free public charter school. Public records reviewed by reporters show the school received significant government funding — reporting identified more than $7 million in government grants, which has drawn attention given the school’s temporary move away from in‑person instruction (WCCS Radio referencing public reporting).

The school markets a Korean immersion program: kindergartners and first graders receive 100% instruction in Korean, with English introduced in later grades, and cultural activities such as Taekwondo and Samulnori are part of its curriculum (Sejong Academy).

Community impact and responses

Local reporting describes a Myanmar community shaken by the events: missed work shifts, skipped medical appointments, and children staying home from school and activities were reported consequences after the Urban Village advisory was shared widely (Fox News).

Community leaders, parents and school staff must balance competing pressures: keeping children safe, ensuring continuity of learning, and addressing the immediate economic needs of families dependent on daily wages. Clear, timely information from public officials and law enforcement can reduce fear and help communities plan.

Unclear coordination between school and community groups

Timing but no confirmed coordination. Reporting shows Sejong Academy’s decision and Urban Village’s advisory occurred concurrently, but there is no reporting that demonstrates direct coordination between the school and the community group. The school’s notice did not reference outside groups or a specific enforcement action.

Because Sejong is publicly funded, some parents and community members have requested clarity on decision‑making and whether outside organizations and public schools coordinated communications before advising families to change routines.

Implications for Paso Robles, California

• Local school operations and public trust: Rapid advisories or reports of enforcement can force sudden shifts to remote learning; parents expect clear, timely explanations to maintain trust.
• Immigrant communities and practical effects: Advisories telling noncitizens to stay home can cause lost wages, missed medical care and childcare disruptions — effects especially acute in agricultural and service economies.
• Coordination between public schools and community groups: Officials should review communication plans with community organizations to ensure factual messaging that minimizes unnecessary disruptions.
• Taxpayer funding scrutiny: Sudden moves to remote instruction at taxpayer‑funded schools can prompt questions about accountability and use of public grants.
• Emergency planning: Schools and businesses should update plans for sudden closures or advisories, including notifications, learning continuity and support for families facing short‑term income loss.

Reporting note and sources

This article is based on reporting by Times Media Service and publicly available local reporting. Key sources cited in coverage include:

• Fox News
• WCCS Radio
• Sejong Academy program information

Preserved facts: All original facts, statements and URLs in source reporting were retained in this summary.